An independent NHS board has been advocated by a number of commentators, who believe it will reduce both micromanagement and day-to-day political interference in the running of the NHS in England. This paper from teh Kings Fund argues that an independent board would be limited in its ability to achieve these aims. It suggests a number of alternative options to an independent board that build on the increasing operational independence the recent reforms have offered. These options would, according to the Kings Fund, help secure a better balance between public accountability and local autonomy within a more devolved health care system.